Well in the first 18 months since the Frickley Academy FC was formed, we have made massive strides and will continue to the raise the standards of the club on and off the field, for our kids and the local community to benefit. This is the time to recognise the “success story of Frickley Academy FC”

2 years ago Gareth Dando Chairman of Frickley Athletic and, Allan Howcroft who at the time was a coach at Moorthorpe Rangers JFC and a scout for Sheffield United FC, were speaking about junior football in SESKU. Allan put his thoughts across about how the area is lacking an academy. Frickley Athletic FC were capable of having such an academy through its semi-professional status which, unlike standard junior football clubs in the area, could then be linked to a professional club as a feeder club.

2 months later Allan was asked by the directors of Frickley Athletic FC to set up an academy (hopefully linked to a professional club) with a 10 year plan to raising the standards of junior football in SESKU and hopefully producing semi-professional players if not full time professionals. Also with the £650,000 development of new changing rooms and community facilities at the ground, an academy structure would give continuity and structure to the Club as a whole.
The academy would be based on professional club structures, which includes more highly qualified coaches, more opportunities on and off the field, quality facilities, educational programmes and hopefully the link to a professional club. Both parties agreed and the academy was formed in the summer of 2013.

From day 1 of the academy starting we have provided the best opportunities available to young players in terms of facilities, pitches, training, coaches, physio, minibus, youth clubs and weekend trips away. We have strict guidelines as to the high level of qualifications that all our coaches need to have. All the people involved go through rigorous checks before they can come on board. Since we started and raised the standards, this area has seen many new and old teams adopting the same philosophy. Frickley Academy FC obtained FA Charter Standard within the first 6 months and is now working towards greater levels of values and achievements. We expanded from 2 teams to 4 within the first 12 months and plan to have 6 teams for the start of next season. When the new building is completed, hopefully in Autumn 2015, the academy has further development plans to have teams doing other sports along with gym and circuit sessions as well individual educational classes for teams above 13 years of age. Allan is also looking to expand this into the local schools to hopefully form links to help each other.

To measure the success of the academy on the field, Allan, has seen a good dozen or so players doing well in the development centres of a few professional clubs with some surpassing expectations and moving into the full academies.

After our first full season Harry Mills of the under 11’s 2013/14 season, was invited by Sheffield Wednesday FC for a trial and captivated to sign a one year contract.

Then just over 6 weeks ago Allan sent Rhys Hughes of this season’s under 12’s to Barnsley FC on a 6 week trial. Rhys has agreed to sign contract with Barnsley FC for the rest of the season.

Well done to both these lads and everyone at Frickley wishes them the best of luck.

We have also seen Brad Dockerty out of our under 19s earn a trial with Barnsley FC whilst playing for Frickley. Sam Cable of the under 19s has impressed and earned several call ups to play for Frickley Athletic first team as well as many of our under 19s featuring in the academy open age side. Our under 10s have at least 4 players attending developments centres at Huddersfield, Barnsley and Rotherham United FC.Professional clubs attend our matches as well as speaking to Allan on a regular basis.

Allan is currently working with some local professional clubs to hopefully close a deal to see Frickley as a partnership club which will have even more added benefits.

Off the field Allan would like to thank Frickley Athletic FC, especially Gareth Dando, for the opportunity to being associated with Wakefield’s premier team. Allan also has special praise for everyone in the set-up of Frickley Academy FC for making it successful, committee members Penelope Wall and Lindsey Williamson, coaches Jake White, Robert Woollard, Robert Dawson, Darren Greene, Mark Studd and Keith Mayne, our club physio Robert Lowbridge, all our general helpers, the parents and the fabulous kids within our teams. Recently Phil Winter, Mick Daley and Anthony Jackson have also committed their services to Frickley which will help us continue our success story.

Anyone wanting to know more or are interested in joining this ambitious club then please contact Allan Howcroft on 07971 886223